Students Return To JA BizTown(R)! (Photo) -12/16/21
PORTLAND, Ore – December 15, 2021, Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington hosted North Clackamas School District’s View Acres Elementary at the JA BizTown® location at 7830 SE Foster Road in Portland. Since the pandemic closed schools, this field trip was the first for View Acres Elementary and many parents, teachers, and volunteers were excited to share their thoughts.
JA BizTown® combines classroom concepts and hands-on application at Junior Achievement's interactive JA BizTown® facility. At JA BizTown®, thousands of students each get to participate in businesses, learn civic responsibilities, and get an opportunity to be an ‘adult’ for the day. During the pandemic, JA BizTown® adapted to meet the needs of distance learning through JA BizTown® Adventures. While the virtual experience is dynamic and thorough, there's nothing like the one-day simulation experience in the 8,500 square foot replica of an American city.
“Junior Achievement staff, View Acres Elementary teachers, and parent volunteers were visibly teary-eyed and emotional as students participated in opening meetings, swearing-in of the Mayor, and the passionate speeches made by the students,” said Barbara Smith, SVP of Junior Achievement Oregon and SW Washington. “The feelings, fervor, and gratitude amongst staff, teachers, and volunteers were palpable and truly showcased the importance of real-world, experiential learning!”
“My son was awake at 6 a.m., full of excitement, ready for JA BizTown®,” said Kami, a parent volunteer. “This is his second field trip ever, so we are glad that we are both able to participate today.”
Kami's son Mateo was a CFO at JA BizTown® and said, “This is the perfect fit for me!”
“My daughter's wonderful experience with JA BizTown impacted our family so much that my son could not wait said, Kami. My daughter came with her 5th-grade class a few years ago, she had such a positive experience. The evening she came home from her field trip she would only talk about her love for Junior Achievement. She said, 'Mom, I want to go to JA BizTown® Summer Camp.' I said, 'Yes! It’s a really good idea and if we are going to spend money on camp, it should be JA BizTown®!' My daughter went and loved it, making life-long friends!”
View Acres Elementary students applied their financial literacy skills in a meaningful way and had the opportunity to take ownership of their learning.
Due to COVID restrictions, media personnel was not allowed inside the facility with students present however, we are sharing photos/clips of the event.
Please check out our media folder from 12.15.21 photo/video content: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2ljl3b9b3j8bdji/AABaXEkD36mdx611BGkerFrUa?dl=0
Junior Achievement of Oregon & SW Washington
Junior Achievement inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs that promote work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Established locally in 1950, JA of Oregon and SW Washington is an affiliate of Junior Achievement USA, which has worked for over a century to provide economic and financial education for K-12 students. Junior Achievement is committed to equitable education and is focused on continuing to expand outreach to students who are from low-income families, students in rural areas, young people of color, and historically and currently marginalized youth. For more information please go to www.jaorswwa.org.
